Secret Club – Apocalypse Meow

By Ryan G

Secret Club might be the best joke band I’ve ever heard.

The story goes they (AJ Babcock, Angela Plake, Nate Moran) formed the band as a side project that was wasn’t going to go anywhere. The members had other things to focus on – more serious bands for instance. Like Angela Plake’s excellent group Bandit (they’re for fans of Now, Now but that’s fodder for another review).

Then they inadvertently got signed. Oh well! The music industry can be ironic, and this album is infectious enough that I actually wouldn’t be that surprised if Secret Club ended up not being so secret. I nominate this band as the next out of state guest for Columbus Ohio’s Worst Kept Secret Fest! But for real – I actually think this garage power trio could make some waves.

AJ Babcock is best known for his work in Columbus’ House of Heroes (a band that should have taken off but never did) and he fronts this band. His vocals are stand out (a surprise to no one who is familiar with House of Heroes adept harmonies).

The tone of the album is fun and sarcastic, and functions as a sort of commentary on living in Christian culture. The band aren’t afraid to get down and dirty with not only their licks, but their language (OMGsh! Believers cuss too!). Actually I’m more referring to the attitude and not the presence of a few cuss words. “That’s how I like it!” Babcock yelps in the Vines-esque “I Do What I Want.” Just try not to bob your head, air drum, or tap your feet in angst-ridden agreement.

Actually, that last sentence could apply to most of the record. But you don’t have to agree with the message to enjoy this album. “I can’t make you move but I can’t wait any longer” they sing in “Toledo.” In other words, this band isn’t going to wait around for you if you aren’t feeling them. And that’s just ok, because if they were the waiting type the result of this album would be vastly different.

Apocalypse Meow is what happens when a band makes a record with no pressure to conform. Something organic, fun and real.

I’m pissed I can’t see them when they stop by Columbus on July 4th. Hurry back!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209948014″ /]